Message for Chanukah from the Lubavitcher Rebbe

As we prepare for the forth light of Chanukah, we decided to interrupt our theme of Chanukah songs with some light of Torah in the form of a message from the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Chanukah.

I hope you enjoy it.

Third night of Chanukah

We have just lit the third candle for Chanukah and it's time for another beautiful song. This time we are happy to share a song produced by Boys Town Jerusalem Choir. Beautiful voices and special boys.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. 

Chanukah Somayach everyone

Shoshanah Shear
Chessed Ve'Emet

Second Day of Chanukah - Greetings from Eretz Yisrael

It's cold with clear skies in Eretz Yisrael. After a busy day, it's time to prepare for the second candle of Chanukah. The candles look beautiful as always and so now we share another Chanukah song.

Have a very joyous Chanukah. May the lights of the Chanukiah bring light, warmth and blessing into your home.

Shoshanah Shear
Chessed Ve'Emet

Chanukah begins - Chunukah Somayach from Eretz Yisrael

It's a wonderful time of year to be in Eretz Yisrael. The cold is starting outside but the houses are aglo with the special lights of Chanukah.

Tonight we light the first light of Chanukah. I wanted to listen to some Chanukah songs and had to search for something I'd enjoy. This is the first that is a little different and rather fun. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

If I manage to, I'll try to share others during Chanukah. What is your favourite Chanukah song or memory? Do post below, we'd love to hear.

Have a very special, fun filled, light and happy Chanukah and stay warm.

Shoshanah Shear

Chessed Ve'Emet

Shabbat Shalom UMevorah

What are your thoughts for today? Some think of it as Friday while some think more of tomorrow, i.e. Shabbat. Either way, it's time to say:

 It's quite a special Shabbat this week.

This week is Shabbat of Chanukah and a time to remember the miracle of the oil that remained burning for 8 days while new oil was prepared to light the Menorah. It's also Shabbat Mevorach meaning the last Shabbat of the month of Kislev and the time to recite a prayer to bless the coming month. Next month will be the month of Tevet.

The image above of the Holy Temple is a reminder of this special time and what Chanukah represents. It's also a reminder that when the Temple stands in it's proper place, there is blessing that flows from there to the rest of the world. Just like on the last Shabbat of the month we pray for peace, blessings and good things for the month ahead, so too, the prayers and holy services that takes place in the Temple is all aimed at bring peace and blessing from Jerusalem out to the rest of the world. What a very special concept. 

Shabbat in Jerusalem is starting to come in a tiny bit later again. Candle lighting this week is 16h03 (in Jerusalem - if you live elsewhere in Israel, please check the correct candle lighting time for you). Remember to light your Chanukah candles before lighting your Shabbat candles leaving enough time for all the blessings and songs if you sing them. Approximately 5 minutes is needed to complete the Chanukah candle lighting and be ready to light your Shabbat candles. 

Shabbat Shalom U'Mevorach and Chanukah Somayach to all. 

Preparing for Chanukah and Latkes

Tonight is Chanukah and as everyone prepares their Chanukiah, here is a video of how to make Potato Latkes. There are many video's on YouTube about this tasty tradition. Some have certain problems either with immodest adverts at the beginning or women singing. I am sorry that this is not an Israeli demo, but it has a good Jewish woman explaining, demonstrating etc. Here you can learn both a little of tradition and how to adapt this recipe to be a little more on the nutritional value side.

Enjoy and have a Chanukah Somayach

Deeper Teachings on Chanukah

Shavuah Tov!!

We have enjoyed another stunning, sunny Shabbos and are still davening hard for rain. This is a busy week. We have two Kallot to assist and Chanukah to prepare for.

Speaking of Chanukah, did you know there are deeper lessons and teachings regarding Chanukah?

Rabbi Akiva Tatz is a Medical Doctor and rabbi. He is originally from South Africa, lived for a number of years in Israel and currently lives in London, UK. In the video below, Rabbi Tatz shares with us some deeper thoughts on Chanukah.

We hope you enjoy

Giving to a New Home

We have two new Kallot that we are assisting in our Bayit Chadash Gemach. A little about them and the Hamlatzot can be viewed on our website.

The first Chatunah is scheduled for 29 Kislev and the second for 2nd Tevet. That means we have only 2-3 weeks to help these special Kallot to set up their new homes.

Prior to coming to us these Kallot have the following to start their new home:

One Kallah has two pillows and a blanket thus far, the other Kallah has one set of linen and an outfit for Sheva Brachos. 

What can you donate?

We would love to give the Chatan who is an Orphan the Chatan Set which is the OzVeHadar Shas, Shulchan Aruch HaBahir, the complete 23 volume set of Shirat Devorah Tur and Oz VeHadar Mishna Brura

Both couples will need a good heater for the remainder of winter.

Both couples need towels.

We have one kettle how about another for the other couple?

We were donated two pots of different sizes. Both Kallot need a set of pots.

In short, any NEW item that will help to set up their new home.

Lastly we need to cover their taxi fare home with all the new items that you readers kindly donate. If you would like to donate in terms of money, please do so via our website

If you live in or around Yerushalayim and have any New items you can donate, please email us.

If you are still single and looking for a Segula to assist you to come to Chuppah, helping these Orphans to come to Chuppah is a very great Mitzvah. The Hamlatzot you will see on our website all talk of the blessing donors will receive by assisting these couples.

Thank you for your assistance. May we hear good things for Am Yisrael.

Shoshanah

Shavuah Tov - Chanukah Is On The Way

Shavuah Tov everyone.

It's been another glorious day in Eretz Yisrael? Is that what you want to hear?

HM, we are wanting rain, beautiful soft, rain that continues for a few days at least.

You know what though, the sunshine reminds us of another light. The light of Chanukah.

Here in Eretz Yisrael, the stores are stocked up with Chanukiot, candles, wicks, olive oil to light the Chanukiah. Some are preparing Sufganiot or donuts.

Like with most Chagim, the Chag is in the air, in the stores, the talk of the town.

So let's get into the mood. Here is the first video clip to help Chanukah at the Kotel, obvaiously from a previous year. Watch  it, enjoy and enjoy your preparations for Chanukah.

Chanukah in Jerusalem!

Chanukah Somayach everyone. We were going to take photos of the chanukiot burning in the windows like we did for the Sukkot at Sukkos time. Needless to say, mostly we are in enjoying our own Chanukia and have not yet ventured out fat the right time for this. There are still a few days left, so maybe we still will.

In the meantime, we did have the good fortune to deliver raffle prizes in the Old City and hence, captured this photo. What better place to have a Chanukia than right next to the Kotel in Yerushalayim? Of course, we do yearn for the Beis HaMikdash to be re-built, in the meantime, may this image serve to remind us of what Chanukah represents.

May the light and miracles of Chanukah hasten the Redemption for all of Am Yisrael.